〜たつもり

I thought that...; I intended to...

1. Overview

「〜たつもり」 is a grammatical structure used to express the speaker's intention or belief that something has occurred or is true. It conveys a sense of expectation or misunderstanding regarding a situation.

2. Structure

• Verb (た-form) + つもり
• Noun + のつもり

3. Usage Explanation

• Indicating Intention:
  This structure is used to express the speaker's intention or belief about an action or state that they thought was the case.

• Expectation vs. Reality:
  It often carries a nuance of discrepancy between what the speaker intended or thought and what actually happened.

• English Translation:
  It can be translated as "I thought that..." or "I intended to...".

4. Example Sentences

1. 彼に連絡したつもりだった。
   I thought I had contacted him.

2. 宿題は終わったつもりでしたが、まだ残っていました。
   I thought I had finished the homework, but there was still some left.

3. パーティーには参加したつもりでしたが、忘れていました。
   I intended to attend the party, but I forgot.

4. 彼女はそのことを知っているつもりだ。
   She thinks that she knows about that.

5. もう少しで成功するつもりだったのに、失敗してしまった。
   I thought I was about to succeed, but I ended up failing.

5. Key Points

• Expectation vs. Reality:
  This structure highlights the difference between the speaker's intention and the actual outcome, often conveying regret or surprise.

• Common Usage:
  It can be used in various contexts, including everyday conversations, formal writing, and storytelling.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜と思った: Used to express what someone thought in a more straightforward manner.
  • Example: 彼は来ると思った。
    I thought he would come.

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜予定だ: Indicates a planned action or intention in a more definitive way.
  • Example: 明日出かける予定です。
    I plan to go out tomorrow.

8. Summary

The structure「〜たつもり」 is used to express the speaker's intention or belief regarding a past action or state, often highlighting a discrepancy between expectation and reality. It is a versatile expression found in various contexts, effectively conveying the speaker's perspective and feelings.